Dr. Vance Baird, professor and chair of Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture, was recently honored with the Outstanding Leadership and Administration Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS).
ASHS bestows this recognition to one individual annually for "sustained outstanding and effective leadership and administration contributing to the progress of professional horticulture and having an impact at the regional or national level…with superior leadership and administration for the improvement of horticultural science."
Baird has built a significant career dedicated to faculty and staff professional development, first at Clemson University and, for the past 15 years, at MSU's Department of Horticulture. He is recognized as a passionate advocate and mentor, having guided 20 tenure-stream faculty members through promotion and/or tenure processes. His open and cordial relationship with faculty, staff, and students contributes to an engaged, vocal, and unified faculty. He is particularly appreciated for his commitment to initiatives promoting DEI, faculty recognition, student welfare, and staff engagement.
In addition to the typical duties of leading one of the largest horticulture departments in the country, Baird shouldered significant responsibilities as needed. These included serving as the grant coordinator for a large federal grant based primarily in Africa, serving on the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology Directorate and overseeing administrative duties related to the MSU Student Organic Farm. He is the Director of the Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center.
Source: Michigan State University